Creative Use of Space in a Studio Apartment

We always love it when readers give us a chance to peek into your homes; your creative ideas often serve as an inspiration to others working within the confines of small budgets and quirky spaces. Anne and Andrew's eclectic studio space is no exception — unique furniture, beautiful carpets, and plenty of personal possessions help to create a warm and inviting space, but it is the creative storage ideas that we believe make this space inspirational.

Studio apartments often have small kitchens with limited storage space. This kitchen is no exception, but it also has one great advantage — very deep window sills. The depth of the window openings allowed for the installation of adjustable glass shelves from top to bottom, creating much needed storage that can be used for plates, kitchen appliances, cookbooks, etc.

More adjustable shelves were installed around this recessed doorway to create much needed storage and display options. These narrow nooks on either side of the door could have been just wasted space, but this simple shelf installation creates a built-in look that holds a great collection of books and photos.

The mirror over the dresser in the bedroom area is actually a repurposed hallway mirror and coatrack. The hooks hold the Anne's collection of necklaces while the narrow shelf adds some extra storage for decorative items that would otherwise be taking up space on the dresser top below.

In a small space, furniture that serves multiple functions helps keep a space from seeming too cluttered. Using this wooden wine rack as a side table is an ingenious way to save some space; the narrow profile nestles into the sofa without impacting the necessary walk space, and the dual function saves space that would otherwise be spent on wine storage in the dining area.

Finally, the way the bedroom is hidden in this studio apartment is truly inspirational. Many studio dwellers use a bookcase or shelving unit a divider, but these can sometimes overwhelm a small space. Here, the dividing shelves are stepped down, and this step, combined with the visible mirror on the far wall, help expand the visual space; at first glance, it isn't even apparent that this bookcase hides a bed and nightstands.

Many thanks to Apartment Therapy readers Anne and Andrew for sharing this wonderful studio.